The Western Hemisphere's largest youth soccer tournament begins Friday with 15,608 players on 1,007 teams from around the world converging on 48 fields at the National Sports Center in Blaine for the 29th Schwan's USA Cup.

The nine-day competition in 11 age groups for boys and girls runs through July 20.

"Some teams work for years to come to this tournament," said media director Barclay Kruse. "It's really rare for a local team to have an opportunity to play teams from Brazil and England. When you're a kid, these are all once-in-a-lifetime opportunities in youth soccer."

The tournament, which began in 1985, is one of America's largest athletic spectacles. Here are 10 reasons this year's version should live up to its reputation:

It's bigger than ever: The 1,007 teams in the tournament break the event's record of 1,006, set in 2007.

It opens in style: Though games begin Friday, next Tuesday night's opening ceremonies officially kick things off for the teams from 17 countries and 17 states. Players will march through the National Sports Center stadium tunnel as they are introduced, followed by skydivers, fireworks and an hour-long concert by country singer Jeremiah James Korfe.

"For some people, it's the best night of the whole week," Kruse said. "It's what everybody remembers.

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Diversity reigns: Teams from Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Ecuador, England, Haiti, Iceland, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria, Puerto Rico, Sweden and Uganda are participating this year. Teams from 65 countries have competed here over the years, but the USA Cup has a special connection with Colombia; the South American country is sending seven teams this year and has participated in 25 of the 29 tournaments.

Top-notch technology: The Schwan's Cup has a mobile app this year that allows friends and family from around the world to keep up with standings and statistics. Coaches, players and fans also can share photos on the app's Facebook integration.

"It's a win-win," Kruse said. "We service our customers better, and we get a lot of people internationally paying attention."

The tournament also features plenty of other media offerings: A webcast will broadcast every game on fields U1 and U2, as well as the Opening Ceremonies. And daily video shows and online newspapers will be available.

Volunteers abound: Officials expect more than 1,000 volunteers to work throughout the week. Jobs range from transportation for referees and athletes to field management to greeting out-of-state visitors at the airport.

Cultural exchange: Several international teams utilize the Schwan's Homestay Program, in which visiting players spend their time away from the field living in the homes of local players. Kruse expects 150 players to participate in the program this week. In some cases, entire local teams will host entire international squads.

"It's a challenge, because it's a big commitment for local teams," Kruse said. "But there's a structure there, and it makes it easier to plan activities."

A familiar face: Tony Sanneh, a member of the United States' 2002 World Cup team who played on two MLS championship teams, will host a three-day camp July 16-18. The 42-year-old St. Paul native played in the USA Cup as a youth and returns to run the Team Camp Experience.

Pro soccer, too: Minnesota United FC of the North American Soccer League will play an exhibition game July 17 against FC Edmonton at the National Sports Center Stadium. The team and Blaine have plenty of history together: the NSC owned Minnesota United FC during its inaugural 2010 season, when the team was called NSC Minnesota Stars.

Bonus soccer: An indoor tournament will be held at the NSC Sports Hall after debuting last summer. The competition is unique for its age groups; anyone 6 years old and up will be able to join. Adults will compete in recreational, competitive and coed divisions.

Local flavor: There is plenty of local representation with teams from 70 communities in the state participating. And those numbers feature some pretty good teams; 14 of the 28 entries in the Super Elite tournament, the best U14 and U16 teams that responded to special invitations, are from Minnesota.

As current local players make memories, many former participants are now happy to be back with children of their own.

"We're getting adults coming to the tournament who played as kids," Kruse said. "And they remember it vividly."